April is National Autism Awareness Month

The
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that autism spectrum
disorder continues to be the fastest-growing developmental disability in the
country, and the numbers are staggering. Approximately one in every 68 children
in the United States are diagnosed with autism.

With
numbers like these, it is likely everyone knows someone impacted by autism.

During
National Autism Awareness Month in April, Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health stands
at the forefront to support, and strongly advocate for, individuals and
families living with autism, putting them on a path of greater independence and
involvement within their communities.

“As
the number of individuals with autism we interact with on a daily basis
increases, we all need to lend our compassion and support to help these
individuals unlock
their full potential not only to enrich their own lives, but ours, as well,”
said Devereux’s Executive Director of Autism Services Dr.Todd Harris. “Raising awareness in April is a great start,
and extending that interaction and support all year round is even more
important.”

Autism spectrum
disorder at a glance

The
CDC states that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability
that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges.

Additional
CDC statistics reveal the staggering reach of autism:

About 1 percent of the world population
has autism spectrum disorder.

ASD is reported to occur in all racial,
ethnic and socioeconomic groups.

ASD is about 4.5 times more common among
boys (one in 42) than among girls (one in 189).

About one in six children in the U.S.
had a developmental disability in 2006-2008, ranging from mild disabilities
such as speech and language impairments to serious developmental disabilities,
such as intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, and autism.

Devereux services cover
the lifespan

For
more than 60 years, Devereux has been a leading provider of autism services for children,
adolescents and adults. Over time, the nonprofit organization has made clinical
advancements – and incorporated the needs of families and behavioral healthcare
professionals – to develop a comprehensive continuum of care for individuals
with ASD at all stages of life. Services follow evidence-based strategies,
such as Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports and Applied Behavior Analysis.
Programs include:

“At every point on the autism spectrum,
individuals and families living with autism need innovative programs and services
to help them enhance quality of life and achieve productive, positive and
socially connected lives,” noted Harris. “At Devereux, we partner closely with
parents, schools and communities to help make this a reality.”

The Philadelphia Foundation recently awarded Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health a $15,000 Leadership Grant to help the nonprofit implement Servant Leadership methodology and best practices across its centers in the Philadelphia region.

Two events benefitting Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Arizona raised nearly $20,000 this fall for youth with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences, as well as those served by the center’s foster care programs.

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Pennsylvania participated in its second job fair for immigrants, drawing professionals interested in a career in behavioral health. The job fair was held in partnership with the Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians, which accelerates immigrant integration and economic advancement through education, training, employment and entrepreneurship.